Top mount fridge Finder: How to find the right model for your kitchen

Learn how to choose the right sized top mount fridge for your kitchen and what features to look out for.

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Best Top Mount Fridges

Best Rated Top Mount Fridges Brand: Westinghouse

As the top-rated brand for features and functions, Westinghouse took out the award for top mount fridges. Recommended by 94% of Aussies polled, it also had high scores for cooling performance and design.

Quick facts about top-mount fridges

  • They are the most common fridge type available with a large variety of styles and sizes to pick from to suit your kitchen decor and space.
  • Top mount fridges are typically the cheapest type of refrigerators in Australia.
  • Prices range from around $500 to $2,000 or more depending on the brand, model and range of features.

Compare top mount fridges

Name Product Volume Energy Star Rating Product More info
Westinghouse WTB5404SAR 540L Top Mount Fridge
536L

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Westinghouse WTB5404SAL 536L Top Mount Fridge
536L

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Westinghouse WTB5400WBR 536L Top Mount Fridge
536L

View details ">
Westinghouse WTB5400WBL 536L Top Mount Fridge
536L

View details ">
Westinghouse WTB5400WAR 540L Top Mount Fridge
537L

View details ">
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What is a top mount fridge?

A top mount fridge means the freezer is located on top with the fridge compartment beneath. This fridge type has freezer at eye-level so you'll have to bend over to access some areas of the fridge, which may be inconvenient especially for those with back problems.

To learn more about the other types of refrigerators available, read our guide on how to find the best fridge for your home.

How to compare top mount fridges

Before deciding on which top mount fridge to purchase, consider the following key features:

Temperature performance

There are three main factors that affect how well a fridge keeps your food safe and fresh longer: stability, evenness and ambient change. Look out for a fridge that maintains a stable temperature as the compressor runs its regular cycle, and keeps a uniform temperature throughout the whole fridge with no warm or cold spots.

Size and volume

The size of your fridge should correspond with the number of people in your household, how often you eat out and your cooking habits. As a general rule of thumb, allocate 100 to 150L of fridge space per person. If you can't decide between a smaller and larger option, it's best to opt for the bigger one.

Running cost

How efficiently your fridge consumes energy can significantly affect your total running costs and environmental impact. To reduce your household costs, though the initial upfront price may be greater, consider a model with a higher star rating.

Noise

Before deciding on a model, you may want to test out the noise levels in the store. You can also find out from the product manual how many decibels (dBA) the model runs at– a typical fridge runs on average at 35 dBA during normal operation, which is the level of a quiet conversation.

Finish

There are several finish types to choose from including stainless steel, classic white, black, coloured and glass. Stainless steel has a professional look, but are more likely to show fingerprint marks and are not usually magnetic. Classic white fridges cost less and are easier to clean. Glass looks modern and is easier to clean than stainless steel.

Temperature controls

Fridges with separate controls for the freezer and fresh food compartments offer more flexibility. Some models may offer 24-hour memory that automatically adjusts for heavy usage periods. An open door warning that alerts you when the fridge door is left open or not shut properly can help your fridge maintain the right temperature and save energy.

Additional factors to consider

There are several handy features that can maximise the lifespan of your fridge and make life more convenient to use. Keep an eye out for the following:

  • Water and ice dispenser. If you usually keep opening your fridge for cold drinks, you might benefit from a model that includes a water and ice dispenser on the outside. However, most water dispensers need to be connected to a tap, which can increase installation costs.
  • Rollers. A fridge with rollers or adjustable feet will make it easier to move your fridge when cleaning. Adjustable feet ensure your fridge is kept level from left to right, and you can use them to slightly elevate the front so that the fridge door can shut easily or even on its own if left open.
  • Chiller. To keep your food fresher for longer, look for a model that has a separate temperature control for the chiller or meat compartment. This temperature should be set at zero degrees so your fresh and cooked food will last longer.
  • Frost-free feature. Some models can help prevent ice build-up with a fan design that continually circulates dry, cold air throughout your freezer.
  • Built-in deodoriser. Fridges with built-in air deodorisers have an active carbon filter to keep your fridge smelling fresh by removing unpleasant odours. Some models also include built-in antibacterial agents to help prevent odour and mould growth.

Four things to watch out for

  1. Measure your kitchen first. Check that the fridge that isn't too large for your kitchen or you'll end up paying unnecessarily high running costs. Check for 5cm clearance on all sides of the fridge to provide enough space to vent fridge heat. Also, remember to check whether the fridge door is hinged on the left or right (or if the door is reversible) to ensure its design is compatible with your kitchen layout.
  2. Don't forget about your front door and hallways. To avoid buying a fridge that can't fit through the door or tight hallways, ensure you confirm these dimensions too.
  3. Set your fridge to the optimal temperature. Ensure your fridge is adjusted to the manual's recommended settings for both winter and summer. Generally, your fridge should be kept at 3 degrees and the freezer at -18 degrees Celsius. To avoid cold and hot spots forming, maintain good airflow in all areas of your fridge.
  4. Save costs by disposing of your old fridge. When buying a new fridge, ask the retailer if they offer disposal services for old fridges. If the old fridge is still in working condition, you may be able to sell it second-hand. Otherwise, some scrap metal dealers may still accept it if they can recover some residual value from the raw materials.

Best rated top-mount fridge brand award breakdown

Total Score Overall rating Value for Money Cooling performance Features & functions Internal/External Design
Other 8.37 4.57 4.57 4.64 4 4.57
Westinghouse 8.26 4.49 4.45 4.61 4.41 4.45
Electrolux 8.17 4.48 4.48 4.44 4.36 4.48
LG 8.14 4.46 4.23 4.35 4.38 4.38
Fisher & Paykel 8.11 4.45 4.35 4.33 4.37 4.22
Hisense 7.97 4.38 4.43 4.05 4.29 4.38
Samsung 7.8 4.24 4.1 4.16 4.24 4.24
Haier 7.5 4 4.23 4.03 4.13 4
Kelvinator 7.37 4.19 3.67 4 4.19 3.9
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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